Falling in love with the 'creative capital'
Broken doors, smashed windows, snatched handbags, dirty streets, worried people. Sounds bleak? A perception of a city plays a huge role in attracting and retaining individuals, families and companies. The projected image is often quite different from the actual lived reality. The above could be used to describe a part of nearly any capital city in the world, yet how many people will think of Barcelona, Stockholm, London or Prague? How someone perceives a city, is welcomed by it and enjoys all of its many cultural experiences, is integral to its tourism. It's music, art, communities, sport, wellbeing, activities and more are all part of the creative mix. The hotel sits central to all of this, so how can it play a role? Should it play a role and if yes, why now? In April this year, EP and eHotelier are hosting an international summit named Hospitable Cities. The role a creative capital may play will be debated and discussed at the unique event taking place at Nomura Bank. With speakers from around the world, the summit will create new ideas and thoughts. 
The word is becoming urbanised. Over 50 per cent of the world's population live in urban areas. This has profound implications for conceptions of national identity, the structure of economies and the social outworkings of such a deep change. Stack divisions between urban and rural voting patterns in the Brexit referendum and the American elections. Some may want to hide from the situation, others are grappling with what this means. For Hospitality the future brings with it questions on how the visitors lives the experiences when visiting countries and the impact of the tension between the projected identity and reality. The Hotel Manger of old was a known person who would bring the community together, has this unnoticed but highly appreciated talent been lost in many properties and locations? 
The Creative Capital A 'creative capital' may stimulate new thinking in the industry - social mobility, help repair societal rifts, drive exports, grow the economy and even define a city. In the UK creative industries contribute almost £90bn net to GDP; it accounts for one in 11 jobs and this number is rising. Many organisations are deeply ingrained in communities. For example the English National Ballet’s currently completes work with people suffering from dementia.Emerging themes
- The success of cities that are dynamic and complex may depend on a network of social exchange which fosters creative ideas
- Structures that support social interaction - 'walkable cities' that are limited impact by cars
- Reducing consumption and waste
- Creatively connecting to reduce isolation and alienation